US20010032644A1 - Inhalation device - Google Patents

Inhalation device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20010032644A1
US20010032644A1 US09/822,252 US82225201A US2001032644A1 US 20010032644 A1 US20010032644 A1 US 20010032644A1 US 82225201 A US82225201 A US 82225201A US 2001032644 A1 US2001032644 A1 US 2001032644A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
main body
outlet assembly
actuator according
canister
tubular member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/822,252
Inventor
Darren Hodson
Jorgen Rasmussen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Original Assignee
Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd filed Critical Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Priority to US09/822,252 priority Critical patent/US20010032644A1/en
Publication of US20010032644A1 publication Critical patent/US20010032644A1/en
Priority to US10/336,757 priority patent/US6805116B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A61M15/0025—Mouthpieces therefor with caps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/009—Inhalators using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0091—Inhalators mechanically breath-triggered
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A61M2205/273—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing reuse, e.g. of disposables
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/59—Aesthetic features, e.g. distraction means to prevent fears of child patients

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation and to an inhaler including the same.
  • actuators have been known for delivering metered doses of medicament from aerosol canisters. These actuators comprise a single integral moulding and are usually coloured to identify the medicament being delivered. After use with only one canister the actuator is discarded. This is desirable, since some medicaments which are delivered, will, over time, become deposited in the nozzle block and the mouthpiece of the actuator.
  • a detachable outlet assembly is especially applicable where the actuator is sophisticated and hence relatively expensive, such as an actuator which includes a breath actuation mechanism or a compliance monitor, since it is not necessary to dispose of the entire actuator after exhaustion of the canister. Rather, a new outlet assembly may be fitted together with a new canister.
  • the two-part construction of an actuator further allows for the manufacture of a range of actuators by providing the outlet assembly as a first part common to the range and forming the main body as a second part from any material and optionally in any shape.
  • the main body can be coloured or have a particular surface finish or decoration according to the medicament to be delivered.
  • the main body can be formed to have a particular shape, such as that of an animal which may appeal to young children.
  • WO-A-95107723 discloses an actuator for an inhaler which includes a replaceable mouthpiece, but in the absence of an aerosol canister the mouthpiece can be slid out of the main body, thereby requiring no release component to effect release of the mouthpiece from the main body.
  • the present invention provides an actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a main body comprising an elongate tubular member for receiving a canister containing medicament and having a valve stem extending therefrom, the tubular member including a lateral opening at one end thereof; and an outlet assembly comprising a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block for receiving the valve stem of the canister and delivering medicament from the canister into the mouthpiece, the outlet assembly being detachably mounted, through the lateral opening, to the main body at an angle transverse to the length of the tubular member; characterized in that one of the main body and the outlet assembly further comprises at least one resiliently biased member, which is configured to engage with at least one part of the other of the main body and the outlet assembly and thereby hold the outlet assembly to the main body, and at least one release component which in use is acted upon to enable release of the outlet assembly from the main body.
  • the tubular member includes a further opening at the other end thereof through which a canister is in use fitted.
  • the main body further comprises a foot at the one end of the tubular member which is configured such that, with a canister fitted therein, the actuator will stand unsupported with the tubular member extending generally vertically.
  • the bottom surface of the foot includes a recess for receiving a thumb or a finger of a user.
  • the recess is concave.
  • the bottom surface of the foot is flat.
  • the actuator further comprises a breath actuation mechanism.
  • the actuator further comprises a compliance monitor, in particular a dose counter.
  • the main body comprises one or both of the breath actuation mechanism and the compliance monitor.
  • the foot comprises one or both of the breath actuation mechanism and the compliance monitor.
  • the main body and the outlet assembly are composed of materials having different constitution.
  • the main body and the outlet assembly are composed of entirely different materials.
  • main body and the outlet assembly are composed of the same basic material but include different additives such as colour pigment.
  • main body and the outlet assembly are of different colour.
  • the outlet assembly is formed as a single integral moulding.
  • the nozzle block includes a bore having an opening for receiving the valve stem of a canister and a spray orifice configured to direct a spray into the mouthpiece.
  • the outlet assembly comprises first and second resiliently-biased arms which each support a catch member and the main body comprises first and second projections which extend inwardly from an inner surface thereof, the catch members on the first and second arms and the projections on the main body being arranged to engage one another when the outlet assembly is inserted fully into the main body.
  • the first and second arms are radially opposed.
  • the first and second arms extend rearwardly.
  • the main body includes at least one opening for accessing the at least one release component.
  • the at least one opening is provided in the foot of the main body.
  • the at least one release component comprises a part which extends into or through the at least one opening.
  • the at least one release component comprises first and second projections disposed on an interconnecting element which interconnects the catch members on the first and second arms such that when the projections on the interconnecting element are acted upon the catch members on the first and second arms are disengaged from the respective projections on the main body so as to allow withdrawal of the outlet assembly from the main body.
  • the outlet assembly further comprises a further resiliently-biased arm which extends at an angle downwardly from the nozzle block, the distal end of the further arm including a catch member which, when the outlet assembly is inserted fully into the main body, engages behind a part of the tubular member defining the lateral opening.
  • the further arm extends forwardly.
  • the at least one release component further comprises a projection which extends downwardly from the further arm.
  • the outlet assembly further comprises a second further resiliently-biased arm which supports a catch member, which, when the outlet assembly is inserted fully into the main body, engages behind a part of the tubular member defining the lateral opening.
  • the second further arm extends rearwardly.
  • the present invention also extends to an inhaler comprising the above-described actuator and a canister containing medicament.
  • the inhaler is a pressurised metered dose inhaler.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the inhaler of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the inhaler of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the inhaler of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the inhaler of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an underneath plan view of the inhaler of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a horizontal sectional view (along section A-A) of the inhaler of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates in enlarged scale a fragmentary view of the section illustrated in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a vertical sectional view (along section B-B) of the inhaler of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates in enlarged scale a fragmentary view of the section illustrated in FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the outlet assembly of the actuator of the inhaler of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an underneath plan view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11.
  • the inhaler comprises an actuator, which comprises a main body 102 , an outlet assembly 104 fitted to a lower part of the main body 102 and a cap 106 , and an aerosol canister 107 containing medicament fitted therein.
  • the main body 102 comprises a tubular member 108 having an opening 110 at one, the upper, end thereof into which the canister 107 having a valve stem 111 extending therefrom is in use fitted, and a foot 112 having a bottom surface which includes a recess 112 a, in this embodiment concave in shape, for receiving typically a thumb of a user.
  • the foot 112 can be formed with a substantially flat bottom surface. The foot 112 serves to allow the actuator to stand unsupported on a flat surface such that, when the actuator is not in use, it can be stored in an upright position. This is particularly advantageous when a canister 107 is fitted therein, since such canisters 107 should, ideally, be stored with the valve stem 111 directed downwards.
  • the foot 112 includes first and second openings 113 a, 113 b in respective sides thereof and a third opening 113 c in the bottom thereof.
  • the other, lower, end of the tubular member 108 is closed and includes a lateral opening 114 , in this embodiment ovoid in shape, into which the outlet assembly 104 is fitted.
  • the main body 102 further comprises a pair of opposing projections 116 which extend inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular member 108 adjacent the lateral opening 114 .
  • the projections 116 are disposed to the sides of the lateral opening 114 and are spaced rearwardly therefrom.
  • the outlet assembly 104 comprises a tubular section 118 , a major part of which defines the mouthpiece which is in use gripped by the lips of a user, and a nozzle block 120 connected thereto.
  • the tubular section 118 includes a radial outwardly-directed peripheral flange 122 .
  • the flange 122 abuts the lateral opening 114 such that the major part of the tubular section 118 extends outwardly of the main body 102 .
  • the outlet assembly 104 further comprises first and second arms 124 , 126 which extend rearwardly form respective sides of the tubular section 118 .
  • Each of the first and second arms 124 , 126 includes a catch member 128 , 130 which is adapted to engage with a respective one of the projections 116 on the inner surface of the tubular member 108 when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102 .
  • the catch members 128 are provided.
  • first and second arms 124 , 126 each include a first surface 128 a, 130 a which has a rearwardly-directed component and acts as a guiding surface, and a second surface 128 b, 130 b which is substantially orthogonally directed to the longitudinal axis of the outlet assembly 104 and acts as a locking surface.
  • the outlet assembly 104 also comprises an arcuate element 131 which interconnects the catch members 128 , 130 on the first and second arms 124 , 126 and is fixed at a mid-point to the nozzle block 120 .
  • the arcuate element 131 includes first and second outwardly-directed projections 132 , 133 which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102 , extend respectively into the first and second openings 113 a, 113 b in the main body 102 and act as release buttons as will be described hereinbelow.
  • the outlet assembly 104 further comprises a third arm 134 which extends rearwardly from the top of the tubular section 118 .
  • the third arm 134 includes a catch member 135 in the form of an outwardly-directed projection which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102 , engages behind a part of the tubular member 108 defining the lateral opening 114 .
  • the catch member 135 on the third arm 134 includes a first surface 135 a which has a rearwardly-directed component and acts as a guiding surface, and a second surface 135 b which is substantially orthogonally directed to the longitudinal axis of the outlet assembly 104 and acts as a locking surface.
  • the nozzle block 120 is connected to the tubular section 118 by first and second pairs of connecting elements 136 , 138 .
  • the first pair of connecting elements 136 extend between a lower part of the nozzle block 120 and a lower part of the tubular section 118 .
  • the second pair of connecting elements 138 extend between an upper part of the nozzle block 120 and an upper part of the tubular section 118 .
  • the nozzle block 120 includes a tubular bore 140 which extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member 108 when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102 .
  • the tubular bore 140 is open at one, the upper, end and includes a laterally-directed spray orifice 142 at the other, lower, end.
  • the spray orifice 142 is configured to direct a spray into the tubular section 118 .
  • the tubular bore 140 is adapted to receive the valve stem 111 of a canister 107 .
  • the outlet assembly 104 further comprises a fourth arm 144 which extends forwardly and downwardly from the nozzle block 120 .
  • the distal end of the fourth arm 144 includes a catch member 146 which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102 , engages behind a part of the tubular member 108 defining the lateral opening 114 .
  • the catch member 146 on the fourth arm 144 includes a surface 146 a which is substantially orthogonally directed to the longitudinal axis of the outlet assembly 104 and acts as a locking surface.
  • the fourth arm 144 further includes a downward projection 145 which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102 , is located adjacent the third opening 113 c in the main body 102 and acts as a release button as will be described hereinbelow.
  • an outlet assembly 104 and a main body 102 are selected according to the requirements, based on colour, shape, etc., for the inhaler.
  • the outlet assembly 104 is then inserted into the lateral opening 114 in the main body 102 until the catch members 128 , 130 on the first and second arms 124 , 126 engage with the respective projections 116 on the inner surface of the tubular member 108 of the main body 102 , and the catch members 135 , 146 on the third and fourth arms 134 , 144 engage behind respective parts of the tubular member 108 defining the lateral opening 114 in the main body 102 .
  • a canister 107 is then passed into the tubular member 108 of the main body 102 through the upper opening 110 such that the valve stem 111 of the canister 107 is located in the tubular bore 140 in the nozzle block 120 .
  • the inhaler is then ready for use.
  • the outlet assembly 104 is held securely in the main body 102 and a user is ordinarily prevented from removing the outlet assembly 104 from the main body 102 . If the user wishes to re-use the main body 102 the exhausted canister 107 and then the outlet assembly 104 must be withdrawn. In order to withdraw the outlet assembly 104 the user first has to depress each of the projections 132 , 133 , 145 in the openings 113 a, 113 b, 113 c in the foot 112 of the main body 102 . In this embodiment, the projection 145 on the fourth arm 144 is depressed by passing an object into and through the opening 113 c in the bottom of the foot 112 .
  • the user With the projections 132 , 133 , 145 depressed, the user then lifts up the outlet assembly 104 in relation to the main body 102 so that the catch member 135 on the third arm 134 clears the periphery of the lateral opening 114 and withdraws the outlet assembly 104 from the main body 102 .
  • the main body 102 can then be re-used by inserting a new outlet assembly 104 thereinto.

Abstract

An actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a main body (102) comprising an elongate tubular member (108) for receiving a canister (107) containing medicament and having a valve stem (111) extending therefrom, the tubular member (108) including a lateral opening (114) at one end thereof; and an outlet assembly (104) comprising a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block (120) for receiving the valve stem (111) of the canister (107) and delivering medicament from the canister (107) into the mouthpiece, the outlet assembly (104) being detachably mounted, through the lateral opening (114), to the main body (102) at an angle transverse to the length of the tubular member (108); characterized in that one of the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) further comprises at least one resiliently biased member, which is configured to engage with at least one part of the other of the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) and thereby hold the outlet assembly (104) to the main body (102), and at least one release component which in use is acted upon to enable release of the outlet assembly (104) from the main body (102).

Description

  • The present invention relates to an actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation and to an inhaler including the same. [0001]
  • For some time, actuators have been known for delivering metered doses of medicament from aerosol canisters. These actuators comprise a single integral moulding and are usually coloured to identify the medicament being delivered. After use with only one canister the actuator is discarded. This is desirable, since some medicaments which are delivered, will, over time, become deposited in the nozzle block and the mouthpiece of the actuator. [0002]
  • It is an aim of the present invention to provide an actuator of two-part construction, with an outlet assembly thereof, which comprises those components which normally come into contact with medicament, being securely held in position in relation to the main body thereof even the absence of an aerosol canister, but being capable of being detached as required. [0003]
  • The provision of a detachable outlet assembly is especially applicable where the actuator is sophisticated and hence relatively expensive, such as an actuator which includes a breath actuation mechanism or a compliance monitor, since it is not necessary to dispose of the entire actuator after exhaustion of the canister. Rather, a new outlet assembly may be fitted together with a new canister. [0004]
  • The two-part construction of an actuator further allows for the manufacture of a range of actuators by providing the outlet assembly as a first part common to the range and forming the main body as a second part from any material and optionally in any shape. Typically, the main body can be coloured or have a particular surface finish or decoration according to the medicament to be delivered. In addition, the main body can be formed to have a particular shape, such as that of an animal which may appeal to young children. [0005]
  • It will further be appreciated that this two-part construction is also advantageous for preparing regulatory documentation which will include common data relating to the outlet assembly. [0006]
  • WO-A-95107723 discloses an actuator for an inhaler which includes a replaceable mouthpiece, but in the absence of an aerosol canister the mouthpiece can be slid out of the main body, thereby requiring no release component to effect release of the mouthpiece from the main body. [0007]
  • Accordingly, the present invention provides an actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a main body comprising an elongate tubular member for receiving a canister containing medicament and having a valve stem extending therefrom, the tubular member including a lateral opening at one end thereof; and an outlet assembly comprising a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block for receiving the valve stem of the canister and delivering medicament from the canister into the mouthpiece, the outlet assembly being detachably mounted, through the lateral opening, to the main body at an angle transverse to the length of the tubular member; characterized in that one of the main body and the outlet assembly further comprises at least one resiliently biased member, which is configured to engage with at least one part of the other of the main body and the outlet assembly and thereby hold the outlet assembly to the main body, and at least one release component which in use is acted upon to enable release of the outlet assembly from the main body. [0008]
  • Preferably, the tubular member includes a further opening at the other end thereof through which a canister is in use fitted. [0009]
  • Preferably, the main body further comprises a foot at the one end of the tubular member which is configured such that, with a canister fitted therein, the actuator will stand unsupported with the tubular member extending generally vertically. [0010]
  • In one embodiment the bottom surface of the foot includes a recess for receiving a thumb or a finger of a user. Preferably, the recess is concave. [0011]
  • In another embodiment the bottom surface of the foot is flat. [0012]
  • Preferably, the actuator further comprises a breath actuation mechanism. [0013]
  • Preferably, the actuator further comprises a compliance monitor, in particular a dose counter. [0014]
  • In a preferred embodiment the main body comprises one or both of the breath actuation mechanism and the compliance monitor. [0015]
  • In a particularly preferred embodiment the foot comprises one or both of the breath actuation mechanism and the compliance monitor. [0016]
  • Preferably, the main body and the outlet assembly are composed of materials having different constitution. [0017]
  • In one embodiment the main body and the outlet assembly are composed of entirely different materials. [0018]
  • In another embodiment the main body and the outlet assembly are composed of the same basic material but include different additives such as colour pigment. [0019]
  • In a preferred embodiment the main body and the outlet assembly are of different colour. [0020]
  • Preferably, the outlet assembly is formed as a single integral moulding. [0021]
  • Preferably, the nozzle block includes a bore having an opening for receiving the valve stem of a canister and a spray orifice configured to direct a spray into the mouthpiece. [0022]
  • Preferably, the outlet assembly comprises first and second resiliently-biased arms which each support a catch member and the main body comprises first and second projections which extend inwardly from an inner surface thereof, the catch members on the first and second arms and the projections on the main body being arranged to engage one another when the outlet assembly is inserted fully into the main body. [0023]
  • Preferably, the first and second arms are radially opposed. [0024]
  • Preferably, the first and second arms extend rearwardly. [0025]
  • Preferably, the main body includes at least one opening for accessing the at least one release component. [0026]
  • More preferably, the at least one opening is provided in the foot of the main body. [0027]
  • Preferably, the at least one release component comprises a part which extends into or through the at least one opening. [0028]
  • More preferably, the at least one release component comprises first and second projections disposed on an interconnecting element which interconnects the catch members on the first and second arms such that when the projections on the interconnecting element are acted upon the catch members on the first and second arms are disengaged from the respective projections on the main body so as to allow withdrawal of the outlet assembly from the main body. [0029]
  • Preferably, the outlet assembly further comprises a further resiliently-biased arm which extends at an angle downwardly from the nozzle block, the distal end of the further arm including a catch member which, when the outlet assembly is inserted fully into the main body, engages behind a part of the tubular member defining the lateral opening. [0030]
  • More preferably, the further arm extends forwardly. [0031]
  • Preferably, the at least one release component further comprises a projection which extends downwardly from the further arm. [0032]
  • Preferably, the outlet assembly further comprises a second further resiliently-biased arm which supports a catch member, which, when the outlet assembly is inserted fully into the main body, engages behind a part of the tubular member defining the lateral opening. [0033]
  • More preferably, the second further arm extends rearwardly. [0034]
  • The present invention also extends to an inhaler comprising the above-described actuator and a canister containing medicament. [0035]
  • Preferably, the inhaler is a pressurised metered dose inhaler.[0036]
  • A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0037]
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0038]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0039]
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0040]
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0041]
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0042]
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an underneath plan view of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0043]
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a horizontal sectional view (along section A-A) of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0044]
  • FIG. 8 illustrates in enlarged scale a fragmentary view of the section illustrated in FIG. 7; [0045]
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a vertical sectional view (along section B-B) of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0046]
  • FIG. 10 illustrates in enlarged scale a fragmentary view of the section illustrated in FIG. 9; [0047]
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the outlet assembly of the actuator of the inhaler of FIG. 1; [0048]
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11; [0049]
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an underneath plan view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11; [0050]
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11; [0051]
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11; and [0052]
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 11. [0053]
  • The inhaler comprises an actuator, which comprises a [0054] main body 102, an outlet assembly 104 fitted to a lower part of the main body 102 and a cap 106, and an aerosol canister 107 containing medicament fitted therein.
  • The [0055] main body 102 comprises a tubular member 108 having an opening 110 at one, the upper, end thereof into which the canister 107 having a valve stem 111 extending therefrom is in use fitted, and a foot 112 having a bottom surface which includes a recess 112 a, in this embodiment concave in shape, for receiving typically a thumb of a user. In an alternative embodiment the foot 112 can be formed with a substantially flat bottom surface. The foot 112 serves to allow the actuator to stand unsupported on a flat surface such that, when the actuator is not in use, it can be stored in an upright position. This is particularly advantageous when a canister 107 is fitted therein, since such canisters 107 should, ideally, be stored with the valve stem 111 directed downwards. The foot 112 includes first and second openings 113 a, 113 b in respective sides thereof and a third opening 113 c in the bottom thereof. The other, lower, end of the tubular member 108 is closed and includes a lateral opening 114, in this embodiment ovoid in shape, into which the outlet assembly 104 is fitted.
  • The [0056] main body 102 further comprises a pair of opposing projections 116 which extend inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular member 108 adjacent the lateral opening 114. The projections 116 are disposed to the sides of the lateral opening 114 and are spaced rearwardly therefrom.
  • The [0057] outlet assembly 104 comprises a tubular section 118, a major part of which defines the mouthpiece which is in use gripped by the lips of a user, and a nozzle block 120 connected thereto.
  • The [0058] tubular section 118 includes a radial outwardly-directed peripheral flange 122. When the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102, the flange 122 abuts the lateral opening 114 such that the major part of the tubular section 118 extends outwardly of the main body 102.
  • The [0059] outlet assembly 104 further comprises first and second arms 124, 126 which extend rearwardly form respective sides of the tubular section 118. Each of the first and second arms 124, 126 includes a catch member 128, 130 which is adapted to engage with a respective one of the projections 116 on the inner surface of the tubular member 108 when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102. The catch members 128. 130 on the first and second arms 124, 126 each include a first surface 128 a, 130 a which has a rearwardly-directed component and acts as a guiding surface, and a second surface 128 b, 130 b which is substantially orthogonally directed to the longitudinal axis of the outlet assembly 104 and acts as a locking surface.
  • The [0060] outlet assembly 104 also comprises an arcuate element 131 which interconnects the catch members 128, 130 on the first and second arms 124, 126 and is fixed at a mid-point to the nozzle block 120. The arcuate element 131 includes first and second outwardly-directed projections 132, 133 which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102, extend respectively into the first and second openings 113 a, 113 b in the main body 102 and act as release buttons as will be described hereinbelow.
  • The [0061] outlet assembly 104 further comprises a third arm 134 which extends rearwardly from the top of the tubular section 118. The third arm 134 includes a catch member 135 in the form of an outwardly-directed projection which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102, engages behind a part of the tubular member 108 defining the lateral opening 114. The catch member 135 on the third arm 134, as with the catch members 128, 130 on the first and second arms 124, 126, includes a first surface 135 a which has a rearwardly-directed component and acts as a guiding surface, and a second surface 135 b which is substantially orthogonally directed to the longitudinal axis of the outlet assembly 104 and acts as a locking surface.
  • The [0062] nozzle block 120 is connected to the tubular section 118 by first and second pairs of connecting elements 136, 138. The first pair of connecting elements 136 extend between a lower part of the nozzle block 120 and a lower part of the tubular section 118. The second pair of connecting elements 138 extend between an upper part of the nozzle block 120 and an upper part of the tubular section 118. The nozzle block 120 includes a tubular bore 140 which extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member 108 when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102. The tubular bore 140 is open at one, the upper, end and includes a laterally-directed spray orifice 142 at the other, lower, end. The spray orifice 142 is configured to direct a spray into the tubular section 118. In this embodiment the tubular bore 140 is adapted to receive the valve stem 111 of a canister 107.
  • The [0063] outlet assembly 104 further comprises a fourth arm 144 which extends forwardly and downwardly from the nozzle block 120. The distal end of the fourth arm 144 includes a catch member 146 which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102, engages behind a part of the tubular member 108 defining the lateral opening 114. The catch member 146 on the fourth arm 144 includes a surface 146 a which is substantially orthogonally directed to the longitudinal axis of the outlet assembly 104 and acts as a locking surface. The fourth arm 144 further includes a downward projection 145 which, when the outlet assembly 104 is inserted fully into the main body 102, is located adjacent the third opening 113 c in the main body 102 and acts as a release button as will be described hereinbelow.
  • In manufacture, an [0064] outlet assembly 104 and a main body 102 are selected according to the requirements, based on colour, shape, etc., for the inhaler. The outlet assembly 104 is then inserted into the lateral opening 114 in the main body 102 until the catch members 128, 130 on the first and second arms 124, 126 engage with the respective projections 116 on the inner surface of the tubular member 108 of the main body 102, and the catch members 135, 146 on the third and fourth arms 134, 144 engage behind respective parts of the tubular member 108 defining the lateral opening 114 in the main body 102. A canister 107 is then passed into the tubular member 108 of the main body 102 through the upper opening 110 such that the valve stem 111 of the canister 107 is located in the tubular bore 140 in the nozzle block 120. The inhaler is then ready for use.
  • By the provision of catch members the [0065] outlet assembly 104 is held securely in the main body 102 and a user is ordinarily prevented from removing the outlet assembly 104 from the main body 102. If the user wishes to re-use the main body 102 the exhausted canister 107 and then the outlet assembly 104 must be withdrawn. In order to withdraw the outlet assembly 104 the user first has to depress each of the projections 132, 133, 145 in the openings 113 a, 113 b, 113 c in the foot 112 of the main body 102. In this embodiment, the projection 145 on the fourth arm 144 is depressed by passing an object into and through the opening 113 c in the bottom of the foot 112. With the projections 132, 133, 145 depressed, the user then lifts up the outlet assembly 104 in relation to the main body 102 so that the catch member 135 on the third arm 134 clears the periphery of the lateral opening 114 and withdraws the outlet assembly 104 from the main body 102. The main body 102 can then be re-used by inserting a new outlet assembly 104 thereinto.
  • Finally, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment but can be modified in many different ways within the scope of the appended claims. [0066]

Claims (28)

1. An actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation, comprising:
a main body (102) comprising an elongate tubular member (108) for receiving a canister (107) containing medicament and having a valve stem (111) extending therefrom, the tubular member (108) including a lateral opening (114) at one end thereof; and
an outlet assembly (104) comprising a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block (120) for receiving the valve stem (111) of the canister (107) and delivering medicament from the canister (107) into the mouthpiece, the outlet assembly (104) being detachably mounted, through the lateral opening (114), to the main body (102) at an angle transverse to the length of the tubular member (108);
characterized in that one of the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) further comprises at least one resiliently biased member, which is configured to engage with at least one part of the other of the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) and thereby hold the outlet assembly (104) to the main body (102), and at least one release component which in use is acted upon to enable release of the outlet assembly (104) from the main body (102).
2. The actuator according to
claim 1
, wherein the tubular member (108) includes a further opening (110) at the other end thereof through which a canister (107) is in use fitted.
3. The actuator according to
claim 1
 or
2
, wherein the main body (102) further comprises a foot (112) at the one end of the tubular member (108) which is configured such that, with a canister (107) fitted therein, the actuator will stand unsupported with the tubular member (108) extending generally vertically.
4. The actuator according to
claim 3
, wherein the bottom surface of the foot (112) includes a recess (112 a) for receiving a thumb or a finger of a user.
5. The actuator according to
claim 4
, wherein the recess (112 a) is concave.
6. The actuator according to
claim 3
, wherein the bottom surface of the foot (112) is flat.
7. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
6
, further comprising a breath actuation mechanism.
8. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
7
, further comprising a compliance monitor, in particular a dose counter.
9. The actuator according to
claim 7
 or
8
, wherein the main body (102) comprises one or both of the breath actuation mechanism and the compliance monitor.
10. The actuator according to
claim 9
 when appendant upon any of
claims 3
 to
6
, wherein the foot (112) comprises one or both of the breath actuation mechanism and the compliance monitor.
11. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
10
, wherein the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) are composed of materials having different constitution.
12. The actuator according to
claim 11
, wherein the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) are of different colour.
13. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
12
, wherein the outlet assembly (104) is formed as a single integral moulding.
14. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
13
, wherein the nozzle block (120) includes a bore (140) having an opening for receiving the valve stem (111) of a canister (107) and a spray orifice (142) configured to direct a spray into the mouthpiece.
15. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
14
, wherein the outlet assembly (104) comprises first and second resiliently-biased arms (124, 126) which each support a catch member (128, 130) and the main body (102) comprises first and second projections (116) which extend inwardly from an inner surface thereof, the catch members (128, 130) on the first and second arms (124, 126) and the projections (116) on the main body (102) being arranged to engage one another when the outlet assembly (104) is inserted fully into the main body (102).
16. The actuator according to
claim 15
, wherein the first and second arms (124, 126) are radially opposed.
17. The actuator according to
claim 15
 or
16
, wherein the first and second arms (124, 126) extend rearwardly.
18. The actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
17
, wherein the main body (102) includes at least one opening (113 a, 113 b, 113 c) for accessing the at least one release component.
19. The actuator according to
claim 18
 when appendant upon any of
claims 3
 to
6
, wherein the at least one opening (113 a, 113 b, 113 c) is provided in the foot (112) of the main body (102).
20. The actuator according to
claim 18
 or
19
, wherein the at least one release component comprises a part which extends into or through the at least one opening (113 a, 113 b, 113 c).
21. The actuator according to
claim 20
, wherein the at least one release component comprises first and second projections (132, 133) disposed on an interconnecting element (131) which interconnects the catch members (128, 130) on the first and second arms (124, 126) such that when the projections (132, 133) on the interconnecting element (131) are acted upon the catch members (128, 130) on the first and second arms (124, 126) are disengaged from the respective projections (116) on the main body (102) so as to allow withdrawal of the outlet assembly (104) from the main body (102).
22. The actuator according to any of
claims 15
 to
21
, wherein the outlet assembly (104) further comprises a further resiliently-biased arm (144) which extends at an angle downwardly from the nozzle block (120), the distal end of the further arm (144) including a catch member (146) which, when the outlet assembly (104) is inserted fully into the main body (102), engages behind a part of the tubular member (108) defining the lateral opening (114).
23. The actuator according to
claim 22
, wherein the further arm (144) extends forwardly.
24. The actuator according to
claim 22
 or
23
, wherein the at least one release component further comprises a projection (145) which extends downwardly from the further arm (144).
25. The actuator according to any of
claims 15
 to
24
, wherein the outlet assembly (104) further comprises a second further resiliently-biased arm (134) which supports a catch member (135) which, when the outlet assembly (104) is inserted fully into the main body (102), engages behind a part of the tubular member (108) defining the lateral opening (114).
26. The actuator according to
claim 25
, wherein the second further arm (134) extends rearwardly.
27. An inhaler comprising the actuator according to any of
claims 1
 to
26
 and a canister (107) containing medicament.
28. The inhaler according to
claim 27
, wherein the inhaler is a pressurised metered dose inhaler.
US09/822,252 1997-11-14 2001-04-02 Inhalation device Abandoned US20010032644A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/822,252 US20010032644A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2001-04-02 Inhalation device
US10/336,757 US6805116B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2003-01-06 Inhalation device

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9704185-9 1997-11-14
SE9704185A SE9704185D0 (en) 1997-11-14 1997-11-14 Inhalation device
PCT/SE1998/002040 WO1999025407A1 (en) 1997-11-14 1998-11-11 Inhalation device
US23054499A 1999-01-28 1999-01-28
US09/822,252 US20010032644A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2001-04-02 Inhalation device

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US23054499A Continuation 1997-11-14 1999-01-28

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/336,757 Continuation US6805116B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2003-01-06 Inhalation device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20010032644A1 true US20010032644A1 (en) 2001-10-25

Family

ID=20408991

Family Applications (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/822,252 Abandoned US20010032644A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2001-04-02 Inhalation device
US09/986,941 Abandoned US20020026938A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2001-11-13 Inhalation device
US10/336,757 Expired - Fee Related US6805116B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2003-01-06 Inhalation device
US10/698,950 Expired - Fee Related US7367333B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2003-11-03 Inhalation device
US11/346,573 Expired - Fee Related US8584668B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2006-02-03 Inhalation device
US13/678,893 Abandoned US20130133643A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2012-11-16 Inhalation Device

Family Applications After (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/986,941 Abandoned US20020026938A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2001-11-13 Inhalation device
US10/336,757 Expired - Fee Related US6805116B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2003-01-06 Inhalation device
US10/698,950 Expired - Fee Related US7367333B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2003-11-03 Inhalation device
US11/346,573 Expired - Fee Related US8584668B2 (en) 1997-11-14 2006-02-03 Inhalation device
US13/678,893 Abandoned US20130133643A1 (en) 1997-11-14 2012-11-16 Inhalation Device

Country Status (25)

Country Link
US (6) US20010032644A1 (en)
EP (2) EP1028768A1 (en)
JP (3) JP4282229B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100518285B1 (en)
CN (2) CN1191871C (en)
AU (2) AU750351B2 (en)
BR (2) BR9814139A (en)
CA (7) CA2614628C (en)
CZ (1) CZ300930B6 (en)
EE (1) EE04332B1 (en)
HU (1) HU224490B1 (en)
ID (1) ID25862A (en)
IL (1) IL135902A (en)
IS (1) IS2703B (en)
MX (1) MXPA00004635A (en)
NO (1) NO321864B1 (en)
NZ (1) NZ504275A (en)
PL (1) PL191305B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2198688C2 (en)
SE (1) SE9704185D0 (en)
SK (1) SK286209B6 (en)
TR (1) TR200001357T2 (en)
TW (1) TW490308B (en)
UA (1) UA66820C2 (en)
WO (2) WO1999025407A1 (en)

Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100212664A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-08-26 Bishop Christopher J Metered dose dispensing devices
US8329271B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2012-12-11 Clinical Designs Limited Medicament container
US9114221B2 (en) 2009-03-10 2015-08-25 Euro-Celtique S.A. Counter
US9415178B2 (en) 2009-03-10 2016-08-16 Euro-Celtique S.A. Counter
USD772394S1 (en) * 2013-11-29 2016-11-22 Norton (Waterford) Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD772395S1 (en) * 2013-11-29 2016-11-22 Norton (Waterford) Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782650S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782649S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782651S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782647S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782652S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782653S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782648S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783155S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783147S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory appartus
USD783149S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783158S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783152S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783153S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783154S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783151S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783150S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783148S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783159S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783157S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783156S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783806S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783804S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783807S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783805S1 (en) * 2013-07-10 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
US9707360B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2017-07-18 Clinical Designs Limited Substance source
USD837365S1 (en) * 2016-06-16 2019-01-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Handheld secretion clearance device
US20200261668A1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2020-08-20 Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P. An actuator housing for a metered dose inhaler device
US11040156B2 (en) 2015-07-20 2021-06-22 Pearl Therapeutics, Inc. Aerosol delivery systems
USD983961S1 (en) * 2020-02-14 2023-04-18 Aptar France Sas Inhaler
USD995752S1 (en) * 2020-02-14 2023-08-15 Aptar France Sas Inhaler

Families Citing this family (51)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7743765B2 (en) * 1997-11-14 2010-06-29 Astrazeneca Ab Inhalation device
SE9704185D0 (en) 1997-11-14 1997-11-14 Astra Pharma Prod Inhalation device
GB2360218A (en) * 2000-03-18 2001-09-19 Astrazeneca Uk Ltd Inhaler
GB2360219A (en) 2000-03-18 2001-09-19 Astrazeneca Uk Ltd Inhaler
GB2366519B (en) * 2000-09-08 2002-11-20 Bespak Plc Improvements in or relating to dispensing apparatus
FR2834277B1 (en) * 2001-12-28 2004-06-11 Valois Sa FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE
GB2398503A (en) * 2003-02-11 2004-08-25 Bespak Plc Inhaler with removable mouthpiece
FR2861460B1 (en) * 2003-10-28 2007-03-09 Valois Sas DEVICE FOR SPRAYING FLUID PRODUCT.
US7383740B2 (en) 2003-11-17 2008-06-10 Spirojet Medical Ltd Spirometer
US8263908B2 (en) 2004-10-08 2012-09-11 Furukawa-Sky Aluminum Corp. Heater plate and a method for manufacturing the heater plate
CA2899340A1 (en) 2005-01-20 2006-07-27 Trudell Medical International Dispensing device
US20070095342A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-05-03 Bijan Olfati Accessorized inhaler
DE102006009637A1 (en) 2005-10-28 2007-05-03 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Gmbh & Co. Kg Inhaler with mouthpiece with microbiological protection
US8141550B2 (en) 2006-08-01 2012-03-27 Trudell Medical International Dispensing device
US20100275909A1 (en) * 2006-08-22 2010-11-04 Glaxo Group Limited Actuator for an inhaler
WO2008023015A1 (en) * 2006-08-22 2008-02-28 Glaxo Group Limited Actuator for an inhaler
EP2056908B1 (en) 2006-08-22 2020-02-26 Glaxo Group Limited Drug dispenser
EP1992373A1 (en) 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
EP1992376A1 (en) 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
EP1992374A1 (en) * 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
EP1992380A1 (en) 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
EP1992372A1 (en) 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
EP1992379A1 (en) * 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
EP1992377A1 (en) * 2007-05-16 2008-11-19 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Dispensing device
JP5270752B2 (en) * 2008-05-02 2013-08-21 ベーリンガー インゲルハイム インターナショナル ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング Inhaler
WO2010031130A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-25 Medi-Stream Pty Ltd Improved medication dispenser
US8641693B2 (en) 2010-05-18 2014-02-04 Kci Licensing, Inc. Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling
EP2613828B1 (en) * 2010-09-06 2019-11-27 CHIESI FARMACEUTICI S.p.A. Metered-dose inhaler actuator, metered-dose inhaler
WO2012161274A1 (en) 2011-05-25 2012-11-29 旭硝子株式会社 Method for manufacturing granulated body, method for manufacturing molten glass, and method for manufacturing glass article
EP2735328A1 (en) * 2012-11-27 2014-05-28 PARI Pharma GmbH Fluid reservoir for an aerosol generation device, combination of fluid reservoir and primary fluid package, and aerosol generation device for use with the fluid reservoir
CA2900326A1 (en) * 2013-02-06 2014-08-14 Flextronics Ap, Llc Metered dose inhaler with an electronic dose counter
GB201308679D0 (en) * 2013-05-14 2013-06-26 3M Innovative Properties Co Actuator for an inhaler
USD771800S1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2016-11-15 Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. Inhaler cap
GB201322677D0 (en) 2013-12-20 2014-02-05 3M Innovative Properties Co Actuator for an inhaler
GB201401659D0 (en) 2014-01-31 2014-03-19 3M Innovative Properties Co Actuator for an inhaler
CN105311718B (en) * 2014-08-01 2019-01-18 心诚镁行动医电股份有限公司 Portable ultrasonic atomizer and its atomization structure
USD798438S1 (en) 2014-08-27 2017-09-26 Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. Inhaler cap
MX2017002551A (en) 2014-08-28 2017-09-26 Norton (Waterford) Ltd Compliance-assisting module for an inhaler.
US10556072B2 (en) * 2017-01-31 2020-02-11 Dunan Microstaq, Inc. Metering device for a metered dose inhaler
US11224556B2 (en) * 2017-04-14 2022-01-18 Manan Shukla Inhaler compliance device and monitoring system
CN110831647B (en) * 2017-04-18 2022-02-01 励志私人有限公司 Spacer for atomizer
EP3668505A4 (en) 2017-08-15 2021-05-12 Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation Aqueous nebulization composition
FR3074051B1 (en) * 2017-11-29 2019-11-22 Aptar France Sas DEVICE FOR DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCT SYNCHRONIZED WITH INHALATION
US10449310B2 (en) * 2018-02-08 2019-10-22 Optimist Inhaler LLC Security features for an electronic metered-dose inhaler system
EP3578217B1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2020-12-23 Presspart Manufacturing S.A. Inhaler
EP3578218A1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-12-11 Presspart Manufacturing S.A. Inhaler
EP3578216A1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-12-11 Presspart Manufacturing S.A. Inhaler
CN110652632A (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-07 上海英何医药包装技术有限公司 Inhalation aerosol administration device
TWI673075B (en) * 2018-11-01 2019-10-01 郭漢彬 Guiding tube apparatus and drug delivery apparatus
WO2020102229A1 (en) * 2018-11-14 2020-05-22 Loop Laboratories, LLC Inhalant dispensing system and apparatus
JP7289938B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-06-12 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム Aerosol generator with single-use mouthpiece

Family Cites Families (73)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US784513A (en) 1904-06-15 1905-03-07 Augustus Brockelbank Cap-fastening for vessels.
US2396866A (en) 1944-12-09 1946-03-19 Margaret Carpenter Lytton Cap fastening means for fountain pens
US2705007A (en) 1951-09-10 1955-03-29 Louis P Gerber Inhaler
US2865525A (en) 1955-03-30 1958-12-23 Harold H Kahn Bottle closure
USRE26304E (en) * 1962-05-07 1967-11-21 Aerosol dispensing package
US3456644A (en) 1967-01-19 1969-07-22 Dart Ind Inc Inhalation-actuated aerosol dispensing device
US3398848A (en) 1967-04-07 1968-08-27 Monsanto Co Packaging structure
US3506004A (en) 1967-07-10 1970-04-14 Dart Ind Inc Inhalation device
US3521643A (en) * 1968-02-26 1970-07-28 Ernest Toth Cigarette-simulating inhaler
US3636949A (en) 1969-08-08 1972-01-25 Armstrong Kropp Dev Corp Inhalation-initiated aerosol dispenser
US3703975A (en) 1970-06-19 1972-11-28 William C Wittemer Safety closure
US3720342A (en) 1971-02-08 1973-03-13 Continental Can Co Safety closure
GB1383761A (en) 1971-02-25 1974-02-12 Woodcraft Dc Inhalation device for use with an aerosol container
US3739950A (en) * 1971-04-05 1973-06-19 J Gorman Aerosol inhalation apparatus
GB1413285A (en) 1971-11-25 1975-11-12 Bespak Industries Ltd Aerosol devices
US3818908A (en) 1972-08-07 1974-06-25 Riker Laboratories Inc Medicament dispenser
US3863798A (en) 1972-11-06 1975-02-04 Kanebo Ltd Push-button-type cap for container
US3841533A (en) 1972-11-24 1974-10-15 Schmid Lab Spray dispenser and shield
US3870182A (en) 1973-04-23 1975-03-11 Palspros Inc Safety cap for threaded closure
US3927783A (en) 1974-01-28 1975-12-23 Clayton Bogert Safety closure for containers
US4086918A (en) 1976-02-11 1978-05-02 Chesebrough-Pond's Inc. Inhalation device
US4171057A (en) 1978-10-30 1979-10-16 Sunbeam Plastics Corporation Child-resistant medicine vial
IL58720A (en) 1979-01-11 1984-02-29 Scherico Ltd Inhalation device
US4335823A (en) 1981-01-26 1982-06-22 Sunbeam Plastics Corporation Child-resistant package
SE433443B (en) * 1981-09-15 1984-05-28 Draco Ab Aerosol inhalation device
US4480762A (en) 1982-06-11 1984-11-06 Ryder International Corporation Reuseable vial cap
US4576157A (en) 1983-10-24 1986-03-18 Raghuprasad Puthalath K Oral inhalation apparatus
US4690332A (en) * 1983-11-28 1987-09-01 Nathaniel Hughes Single inlet prepackaged inhaler
US4534343A (en) 1984-01-27 1985-08-13 Trutek Research, Inc. Metered dose inhaler
US4972830A (en) * 1985-07-31 1990-11-27 Vortran Medical Technology, Inc. Inhalation device and method
US4694824A (en) 1985-12-20 1987-09-22 Ruderian Max J Nasal inhalation system
US4796614A (en) 1987-02-26 1989-01-10 Trutek Research, Inc. Collapsible inhalation valve
US4944429A (en) 1987-08-28 1990-07-31 Schering Corporation Manually-operable spray dispenser with locking mechanism
US4834083A (en) 1988-05-12 1989-05-30 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Aerosol device
IT1237118B (en) 1989-10-27 1993-05-18 Miat Spa MULTI-DOSE INHALER FOR POWDER DRUGS.
US5060643A (en) 1990-08-07 1991-10-29 Tenax Corporation Breath-activated inhalation device
EP0546009B1 (en) 1990-08-31 1995-03-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Aerosol actuator providing increased respirable fraction
GB9020555D0 (en) 1990-09-20 1990-10-31 Bespak Plc Dispensing apparatus
FR2667509B1 (en) 1990-10-04 1995-08-25 Valois POWDER INHALER, DEVICE FOR PACKAGING POWDER MICRODOSES IN THE FORM OF BANDS SUITABLE FOR USE IN A POWDER INHALER, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH BANDS.
US5027808A (en) * 1990-10-31 1991-07-02 Tenax Corporation Breath-activated inhalation device
US5217004A (en) 1990-12-13 1993-06-08 Tenax Corporation Inhalation actuated dispensing apparatus
WO1994016759A1 (en) * 1991-03-05 1994-08-04 Miris Medical Corporation An automatic aerosol medication delivery system and methods
GB9118711D0 (en) 1991-08-31 1991-10-16 Smithkline Beecham Plc Novel device
FR2683726A1 (en) 1991-11-15 1993-05-21 Pesenti Yvan DEVICE FOR SYNCHRONIZING AEROSOL APPARATUS WITH METERED BOTTLE.
US5334019A (en) * 1991-12-06 1994-08-02 American Dental Technologies, Inc. Dental air abrasive system
WO1995007723A1 (en) * 1993-09-16 1995-03-23 Medtrac Technologies Inc. Inhaler having an attachable dosing monitor and recorder
US5505194A (en) * 1994-03-23 1996-04-09 Abbott Laboratories Aerosol inhalation device having slideably and rotatably connected elliptical cylinder portions
US5564414A (en) 1994-05-26 1996-10-15 Walker; William F. Pressurized and metered medication dose counter on removable sleeve
US5482030A (en) 1994-06-13 1996-01-09 Klein; David Aerosol and non-aerosol spray counter
GB2293110A (en) * 1994-08-16 1996-03-20 Norton Healthcare Ltd Inhaler device with optimisation chamber
US5979442A (en) 1994-08-17 1999-11-09 Orr; Rodney J. Emergency breathing device, and methods of constructing and utilizing same
JPH10505764A (en) 1994-09-16 1998-06-09 ラボラトワール、グラクソ、ウェルカム Inhaler
US5809997A (en) 1995-05-18 1998-09-22 Medtrac Technologies, Inc. Electronic medication chronolog device
US5758638A (en) 1995-07-24 1998-06-02 Kreamer; Jeffry W. Indicator for a medicament inhaler
US5687863A (en) 1996-01-30 1997-11-18 Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. Squeeze and turn child resistant package
WO1997029710A1 (en) * 1996-02-15 1997-08-21 Biosense, Inc. Medical probes with field transducers
DE19613185A1 (en) 1996-04-02 1997-10-09 Pfeiffer Erich Gmbh & Co Kg Dosing device for flowable media such as powder / air dispersions
US5785048A (en) 1996-08-16 1998-07-28 Koerner; Steve J. Inhaler device with means for assessing its depletion level
GB2318737B (en) * 1996-10-30 2000-06-14 Bespak Plc Improved inhalers
US5904139A (en) 1997-03-28 1999-05-18 Hauser; Stephen G. Breath coordinated inhaler
US6044841A (en) 1997-08-29 2000-04-04 1263152 Ontario Inc. Breath actuated nebulizer with valve assembly having a relief piston
US6345617B1 (en) * 1997-09-26 2002-02-12 1263152 Ontario Inc. Aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system
US6293279B1 (en) * 1997-09-26 2001-09-25 Trudell Medical International Aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system
US5855202A (en) 1997-10-08 1999-01-05 Andrade; Joseph R. Aerosol holding chamber for a metered-dose inhaler
SE9704185D0 (en) 1997-11-14 1997-11-14 Astra Pharma Prod Inhalation device
AU135120S (en) 1997-11-14 1998-09-21 Astrazeneca Ab Inhaler
US5855307A (en) 1997-12-03 1999-01-05 Biddick; Joan F. Inhaler holster
JP2000091289A (en) * 1998-09-10 2000-03-31 Hitachi Ltd Manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuit device
US6267749B1 (en) 1998-12-29 2001-07-31 Safeguard Medical Limited Single use syringe with breakaway plunger
DE10006368A1 (en) 2000-02-12 2001-08-16 Pfeiffer Erich Gmbh & Co Kg Discharge device for media
US6494201B1 (en) 2000-05-11 2002-12-17 Ralph Welik Portable oxygen dispenser
US6439409B1 (en) 2001-01-03 2002-08-27 Mark W. Dressel Child-resistant and elder-friendly vial closure system
US6445626B1 (en) 2001-03-29 2002-09-03 Ibm Corporation Column redundancy architecture system for an embedded DRAM

Cited By (37)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9707360B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2017-07-18 Clinical Designs Limited Substance source
US8329271B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2012-12-11 Clinical Designs Limited Medicament container
US20100212664A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-08-26 Bishop Christopher J Metered dose dispensing devices
US9114221B2 (en) 2009-03-10 2015-08-25 Euro-Celtique S.A. Counter
US9415178B2 (en) 2009-03-10 2016-08-16 Euro-Celtique S.A. Counter
US9987441B2 (en) 2009-03-10 2018-06-05 Euro-Celtique S.A. Counter
USD783805S1 (en) * 2013-07-10 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782650S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782651S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783807S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783806S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783159S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783150S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783151S1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783153S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783156S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783158S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783152S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783147S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory appartus
USD783154S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783155S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782648S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783148S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782653S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783157S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783149S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-04 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782652S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD783804S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-04-11 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782647S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD782649S1 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-03-28 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD772395S1 (en) * 2013-11-29 2016-11-22 Norton (Waterford) Limited Respiratory apparatus
USD772394S1 (en) * 2013-11-29 2016-11-22 Norton (Waterford) Limited Respiratory apparatus
US11040156B2 (en) 2015-07-20 2021-06-22 Pearl Therapeutics, Inc. Aerosol delivery systems
US20200261668A1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2020-08-20 Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P. An actuator housing for a metered dose inhaler device
USD837365S1 (en) * 2016-06-16 2019-01-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Handheld secretion clearance device
USD983961S1 (en) * 2020-02-14 2023-04-18 Aptar France Sas Inhaler
USD995752S1 (en) * 2020-02-14 2023-08-15 Aptar France Sas Inhaler

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EE200000221A (en) 2001-04-16
AU1266799A (en) 1999-06-07
TR200001357T2 (en) 2000-08-21
SK7002000A3 (en) 2001-01-18
CA2310224A1 (en) 1999-05-27
IS5487A (en) 2000-05-11
CN1285761A (en) 2001-02-28
WO1999025406A1 (en) 1999-05-27
KR100518285B1 (en) 2005-10-05
CZ20001763A3 (en) 2000-12-13
CA2310224C (en) 2008-12-02
JP4272350B2 (en) 2009-06-03
CA2616784C (en) 2011-07-19
US20030098024A1 (en) 2003-05-29
PL340493A1 (en) 2001-02-12
CA2616786C (en) 2009-12-22
CN1285762A (en) 2001-02-28
AU1183699A (en) 1999-06-07
JP2001523488A (en) 2001-11-27
US20040139967A1 (en) 2004-07-22
TW490308B (en) 2002-06-11
NO20002447D0 (en) 2000-05-11
NO20002447L (en) 2000-07-06
CA2309732A1 (en) 1999-05-27
KR20010052101A (en) 2001-06-25
WO1999025407A1 (en) 1999-05-27
NZ504275A (en) 2001-10-26
CA2614626A1 (en) 1999-05-27
PL191305B1 (en) 2006-04-28
NO321864B1 (en) 2006-07-17
US20130133643A1 (en) 2013-05-30
IS2703B (en) 2010-11-15
EE04332B1 (en) 2004-08-16
CN1191871C (en) 2005-03-09
CA2614628C (en) 2011-04-19
UA66820C2 (en) 2004-06-15
US7367333B2 (en) 2008-05-06
HU224490B1 (en) 2005-09-28
SK286209B6 (en) 2008-05-06
SE9704185D0 (en) 1997-11-14
US6805116B2 (en) 2004-10-19
HUP0004408A2 (en) 2001-04-28
MXPA00004635A (en) 2003-08-20
AU728125B2 (en) 2001-01-04
CA2614626C (en) 2011-07-05
EP1030704A1 (en) 2000-08-30
CA2616786A1 (en) 1999-05-27
CA2616784A1 (en) 1999-05-27
US8584668B2 (en) 2013-11-19
JP2009072612A (en) 2009-04-09
CN1188185C (en) 2005-02-09
CA2614628A1 (en) 1999-05-27
IL135902A0 (en) 2001-05-20
JP4282229B2 (en) 2009-06-17
RU2198688C2 (en) 2003-02-20
US20060213506A1 (en) 2006-09-28
US20020026938A1 (en) 2002-03-07
BR9814139A (en) 2000-10-03
IL135902A (en) 2005-06-19
BR9814964A (en) 2000-10-03
CZ300930B6 (en) 2009-09-16
CA2309732C (en) 2008-09-16
CA2616785A1 (en) 1999-05-27
ID25862A (en) 2000-11-09
AU750351B2 (en) 2002-07-18
JP2001523487A (en) 2001-11-27
EP1028768A1 (en) 2000-08-23
HUP0004408A3 (en) 2001-05-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6805116B2 (en) Inhalation device
US20060213505A1 (en) Inhalation device
US7743765B2 (en) Inhalation device
US7967011B2 (en) Inhalation device
TW202308715A (en) Inhaler with an adherence/compliance monitor
MXPA99008817A (en) Inhalation device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION